A time lapse video shows the work involved in constructing South City High's Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead altar.
It's an annual tradition that has grown more elaborate over the years. and which relies on students, alumni, and other volunteers associated with South City High teacher Martin Cruz's ballet folklorico program.
According to Cruz, preparations for construction of the altar began at 3:00 PM on November 1 and ended more than seven hours later.
"I always try to add a little something every year," Cruz said.
This year's additional touches include amber spotlights that add ambience to the scene once the lights are dimmed, portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and hundreds of hand colored paper butterflies hanging from the roof.
Once the altar is complete, Cruz and his students invite the South City High community to learn more about traditional Mexican culture and celebrate Día de los Muertos by viewing the altar, eating pan de muerto, and watching a series of ballet folklorico performances that take place over two days.
In 2023, Cruz opened up the school's Día de los Muertos celebrations to parents, families, and other members of the community for the first time.
It's a perfect excuse for Skyline College student and South City High graduate Guadalupe Romero ('23) to stay involved with the ballet folklorico program.
Romero showed up on November 1 to help build this year's altar, and she is also scheduled to perform for the community as part of a group of advanced level students on the evening of November 2.
She visits the school on Monday and Thursday nights to take ballet folkorico classes and keep her skills sharp.
"The passion and joy I feel when I dance with the group keeps me involved," Romero said. "It's a way for me to stay connected to my culture and express myself through the beautiful, traditional dances."